Bergey Finalist For "Very Good" Honor

Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame enshrinee Bill Bergey was named a finalist for the Hall of Very Good by the Professional Football Researchers Association.

What is the Hall of Very Good? In 2003, the PFRA wanted to honor outstanding players and coaches who are not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Even if a player makes it to the Hall of Very Good, they still can make it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Seven players who have been inducted into the Hall of Very Good have gone on to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

A middle linebacker from 1974-80 for the Eagles, Bergey was acquired in a trade with Cincinnati for two first-round picks and a second-round pick. As steep as the price was, it was worth it for the Eagles. In those seven seasons, Bergey recorded nearly 1,200 tackles and was a pivotal piece of the 1980 NFC Championship squad. Bergey earned four Pro Bowl nominations and was named the team's Defensive MVP three times. Bergey was inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame in 1988. Just last year, Bergey was inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame.

Another former Philadelphia football player is a finalist for the Hall of Very Good. Offensive lineman Swede Youngstrom, a member of the Frankford Yellowjackets, is on the list. The PFRA will announce the Hall of Very Good by the end of the year.

Other Eagles in the Hall of Very Good include wide receivers Harold Carmichael and Harold Jackson, defensive end Claude Humphrey, tight end Pete Retzlaff, linebacker Maxie Baughan, offensive tackle Al Wistert and running back Timmy Brown.